2025 Adaptation Bonanza: ‘The Housemaid,’ ‘Woman in Cabin 10,’ and More Hits!

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Another chapter in the world of literary adaptations is underway.

A variety of both classic novels such as “Little House on the Prairie” and “Forever” by Judy Blume, along with more recent works like “Deep Cuts”, will be adapted for both movie and television screens this year.

Among the upcoming movies being adapted for the big screen are “Margo’s Financial Struggles,” starring Elle Fanning as a resilient protagonist who gains internet popularity and financial stability through OnlyFans, and “The Maid,” where Sydney Sweeney takes on the role of a maid working for the wealthy couple Nina (Amanda Seyfried) and Andrew (Brandon Sklenar). However, she soon discovers that her employers harbor hidden dangers.

Next year, some well-known books are set to be adapted into movies or series. Among them is Ruth Ware’s bestselling novel, “The Woman in Cabin 10,” as well as the comeback of young adult hits like “Maxton Hall” and “My Fault.” Additionally, another installment in the “Wicked” series titled “For Good” will be released, featuring Oscar-nominated stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.

As a book enthusiast, I can’t wait to share with you some must-read titles that are about to hit the big screen this year! The Hollywood Reporter has put together a list of books worth keeping an eye on, based on upcoming adaptations and releases. This list will be continuously updated as more projects are announced.

    ‘The Housemaid’

    Releasing on Netflix on Dec. 25.

    Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Paul Feig are collaborating for an adaptation of Freida McFadden’s hit novel. Feig is directing the movie based on Rebecca Sonnenshine’s screenplay. Lionsgate is involved with the project. The plot revolves around a character named Millie (Sweeney), who gets employed as a housemaid for the wealthy couple Nina (Seyfried) and Andrew (Brandon Sklenar). However, she later discovers that the duo harbors hidden, dangerous secrets. Michele Morrone also features in the film.

    ‘Dog Man’

    Released in theaters on Jan. 31.

    According to the popular Captain Underpants book series written by Dav Pilkey, Pete Davidson stars in an animated movie about a crime-fighting character who is half dog, half human. This film, helmed by director Peter Hastings, boasts a talented voice cast including Lil Rel Howery, Isla Fisher, Poppy Liu, Stephen Root, Billy Boyd and Ricky Gervais.

    ‘The Woman in Cabin 10’

    Releasing on Netflix this fall.

    Instead of a serene voyage, the cruise becomes fatal in Netflix’s rendition of “The Woman in Cabin 10“, featuring Keira Knightley. In this movie, adapted from Ruth Ware’s bestselling novel, a reporter (Knightley) observes a passenger being thrown overboard late at night, but is told she must have hallucinated it as all passengers are accounted for. Despite no one on board believing her, she persists in proving the incident was real, potentially risking her own life. The film is helmed by Simon Stone, who collaborated with Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse on the script. Alongside Knightley, Guy Pearce, Hannah Waddingham, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw also make appearances in the movie.

    ‘Forever’

    One more cherished tale by Judy Blume is slated for adaptation – this time, her 1975 novel “Forever” will be transformed into a television series instead of a film. After “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” was adapted to the big screen, Netflix now plans to retell “Forever” in a series format. The show revolves around the romantic journey of two African-American teenagers, Keisha (played by Lovie Simone) and Justin (Michael Cooper Jr.), who are both gifted athletes and find their first love in each other. This relationship shapes their lives forever. “Forever” will be set in modern-day Los Angeles in 2018, with Regina King serving as executive producer and directing the series premiere.

    ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy’

    Streaming on Peacock since Feb. 13.

    In 2013, a new book from Helen Fielding featuring Bridget Jones was released. This story was turned into a movie with Renée Zellweger reprising her role as Jones for the fourth time. The film focuses on Jones managing loss while juggling life as a single mother. Streaming on Peacock since February 13, this movie is the latest installment in the series and follows “Bridget Jones’s Diary” (2001), “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason” (2004), and “Bridget Jones’s Baby” (2016). Alongside Hugh Grant, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Leo Woodall, Zellweger stars in “Mad About the Boy”.

    ‘Wheel of Time’ Season Three

    Available to stream on Prime Video on March 13.

    The much-anticipated third season of the fantasy series “The Wheel of Time” debuts on Prime Video on March 13th. This show is based on Robert Jordan’s beloved epic fantasy book series by the same name, where we follow a simple farm boy named Rand al’Thor who discovers he is The Dragon Reborn – a perilous figure from history fated to save the world. Having vanquished the strongest of the Forsaken at the conclusion of the previous season, the third season finds Rand rejoining his companions in the city of Falme and being officially recognized as The Dragon Reborn. Yet, danger lurks even as threats against the Light loom. In this production, co-created by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios, “The Wheel of Time” features Rosamund in the role of Moiraine Damodred, Daniel Henney as al’Lan Mandragoran, Josha Stradowski portraying Rand al’Thor, among others.

    ‘The Residence’

    Available to stream on Netflix on March 20.

    Previously known for his work on “Scandal,” Paul William Davies is overseeing a new murder mystery series titled “Mansion of Mystery” on Netflix. Uzo Aduba plays detective Cordelia Cupp in this intriguing tale, with Randall Park appearing as FBI special agent Edwin Park. The show takes place at a deadly state dinner within the White House and unfolds amidst the quirky staff members of the world’s most renowned residence. In essence, the story is inspired by former White House correspondent Kate Andersen Brower’s book “The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House” which offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of White House staff, serving as a foundation for the series plot.

    ‘People We Meet on Vacation’

    Release date TBA.

    Tom Blyth and Emily Bader are all set to appear in the movie adaptation of Emily Henry’s popular book, “People We Meet on Vacation.” Emily Bader, known for her role in “My Lady Jane,” will play Poppy while Tom Blyth, star of “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” will portray Alex. The story revolves around two lifelong friends who spent a week together every summer vacation. However, their friendship took a turn when they stopped communicating for two years. When Poppy reaches out and manages to convince Alex to go on one more trip with her, she believes it’s an opportunity to mend their broken bond. But there’s a hidden truth between them that remains unaddressed: Is their relationship more than just friendship or is there something deeper? Brett Haley will direct the film, with Yulin Kuang adapting the screenplay. Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, and Isaac Klausner of Temple Hill will produce. Laura Quicksilver and Erin Siminoff from 3000 Pictures are supervising the project.

    ‘The Hunting Wives’

    Release date TBA.

    As a gamer, I’m excited to share that I’ll be immersing myself in an eight-episode series based on May Cobb’s “The Hunting Wives.” This intriguing tale is being brought to life by Rebecca Cutter, who’s not just adapting it but also serving as the showrunner. The book, published last year, follows Sophie O’Neill, a woman who moves with her family to a quiet Texas town. However, things take a suspenseful turn when she befriends the enigmatic Margot Banks, who’s part of an exclusive group known as the Hunting Wives. The discovery of a teenage girl’s body in the woods where the Hunting Wives gather sets off a murder investigation, placing Sophie right in the thick of it. Starring Malin Akerman, Brittany Snow, Dermot Mulroney, and Evan Jonigkeit, with Chrissy Metz, Jaime Ray Newman, Katie Lowes, and George Ferrier joining the ensemble, this series promises to keep us on the edge of our seats!

    ‘Long Bright River’

    Available to stream on Peacock on March 13.

    In this modern take on Liz Moore’s top-selling novel, Amanda Seyfried takes on the role of a Philadelphia police officer assigned to a district grappling with the opioid epidemic. As a string of homicides unfolds within the community, Seyfried’s character Mickey starts to wonder if her past could be connected to the case. Nikki Toscano serves as showrunner for the series, with Cobb and Toscano penning it. In addition to acting, Seyfried is also credited as an executive producer. Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, and Amanda Lewis join in as executive producers through Original Film, while Amy Pascal takes on the role via Pascal Pictures. The series is jointly produced by Sony Pictures Television and UCP.

    ‘Regretting You’

    Release date TBA.

    Following the adaptation of her hit book “It Ends With Us” and the subsequent real-life drama, another bestselling novel by Colleen Hoover is set for an adaptation. The 2019 book titled “Regretting You” will receive an independent adaptation from Constantin Film, with Josh Boone, director of “The Fault in Our Stars,” at the helm. The narrative delves into the intricate relationship between a mother and daughter, Morgan and Clara, who have contrasting personalities and objectives. However, their lives are turned upside down when Morgan’s husband and Clara’s father dies under suspicious circumstances in an accident. Allison Williams, McKenna Grace, and Dave Franco will star in the movie, with Susan McMartin penning the screenplay.

    ‘The Running Man’

    Release date TBA.

    In this upcoming Paramount film adaptation by Edgar Wright, Glen Powell, William H. Macy, Josh Brolin, Katy O’Brian, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, and Emilia Jones are set to star. Originally published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman in 1982, Stephen King’s novel serves as the basis for this movie. Interestingly, the story is set in a dystopian 2025 America that operates under totalitarian rule, where brutal game shows are employed to pacify the discontented populace. The narrative revolves around Ben Richards, played by Glen Powell, who decides to participate in the most popular game show, titled “The Running Man“. In this show, teams of assassins pursue contestants, with the longer a contestant survives, the greater their earnings. However, the producers and killers will soon discover that Ben Richards is not your typical contestant; he plans to shatter all the rules and reveal the sinister truths hidden within the game show.

    ‘Mickey 17’

    Releasing in theaters on March 7.

    After the incredible success of his Oscar-winning movie “Parasite”, director Bong Joon Ho has taken on another exciting project: the adaptation of Edward Ashton’s novel, “Mickey 17”. This film follows Mickey 7, a space colonist known as an ‘expendable’, someone who carries out the colony’s most perilous tasks and often meets a tragic end, only to be resurrected through advanced human technology. Bong unveiled the first trailer for this intriguing story at CinemaCon, characterizing it as a tale about “an ordinary man who eventually saves the world”. Robert Pattinson will portray Mickey Barnes in this film, taking on both roles of Mickey 17 and Mickey 18. According to Pattinson, Mickey 17 is a man worn down by life but finds joy in being part of a team, whereas Mickey 18 is more like playing an uncontrollable villain.

    ‘Wicked: For Good’

    Releasing in theaters on Nov. 21.

    Last year, a movie adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s 1995 book, initially conceptualized as a popular stage musical, was released under the direction of Jon M. Chu. However, in 2025, fans will get to witness Ariana Grande reprising her role as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in “Wicked: For Good.” The film’s producers, Marc Platt and David Stone, were responsible for bringing “Wicked” to the stage when it premiered in 2003. To date, “Wicked” has become the second highest-grossing Broadway show of all time, surpassed only by “The Lion King.” Alongside Grande and Erivo, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, Marissa Bode, Keala Settle, Bronwyn James, Adam James, and Bowen Yang will also star in the film. Set prior to Dorothy’s arrival in “The Wizard of Oz,” “Wicked” follows the storylines of its characters as presented in Maguire’s novel, “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.

    ‘Frankenstein’

    Releasing on Netflix in November.

    Jacob Elordi plays the lead role in Guillermo Del Toro’s adaptation of “Frankenstein,” available on Netflix. This film is inspired by Mary Shelley’s renowned work and features an impressive cast that includes Mia Goth, Oscar Isaac, Christopher Waltz, and Felix Kammerer. In this production, Oscar Isaac takes on the role of Victor Frankenstein, while Jacob Elordi portrays the monster created by Frankenstein. Notably, “Frankenstein” represents Del Toro’s second Netflix project, following his adaptation of “Pinocchio,” which earned him an Oscar for Best Animated Feature at the 2023 awards ceremony.

    ‘Kill Your Darlings’

    Release date TBA.

    Despite the adaptation of Peter Swanson’s “Kill Your Darlings” not being released on screen soon, a well-known star, Julia Roberts, has already signed up for the murder mystery role. She will collaborate with James Gray in adapting Swanson’s upcoming novel, set to be published in June. Alongside Roberts, Lisa Gillan and Marisa Yeres Gill from Red Om Films, Jane Rosenthal and Berry Welsh from Tribeca Studios are also involved as producers. Scott Stuber and Nick Nesbitt are also producing this project. The narrative revolves around Tom and Wendy Graves, a couple who have been married for over 25 years, seemingly living the ideal life. However, beneath the surface, they conceal a stunning secret.

    ‘My Fault’

    Streaming on Prime Video.

    Previously known as “Culpa Mia” in Spain, featuring Nicole Wallace and Gabriel Guevara, Prime has additionally produced a UK adaptation of Mercedes Ron’s young adult romance trilogy titled “My Fault: London“. The narrative revolves around teenager Noah, who relocates with her mother and affluent stepfather to London. Upon encountering her stepbrother, an attraction arises. Simultaneously, the danger resurfaces when Noah’s absentee and abusive father reappears after his release from prison. In this version, Asha Banks and Matthew Broome take on the leading roles.

    ‘Maxton Hall’

    Season two premiering on Prime Video later this year.

    Harriet Herbig-Matten and Damian Hardung are overseeing the adaptation of Mona Kasten’s German Maxton Hall series titled “Save Me”, “Save You”, and “Save Us”. Following its debut on Prime last year, “Maxton Hall: The World Between Us” gained international acclaim. This season one hit is now set to have its books published in English for the first time this year. The narrative revolves around Ruby, a scholarship student, and James, a wealthy heir, who find themselves entangled in an unforeseen romance and love, all while managing school and family complexities.

    ‘Deep Cuts’

    Release date TBA.

    Austin Butler and Saoirse Ronan will feature in the film adaptation of Holly Brickley’s novel, “Deep Cuts,” which was published this year. The story revolves around Percy Marks and Joe Morrow, whose relationship evolves through ups and downs, finding common ground in their shared love for music. Set in the 2000s, the narrative unfolds following a pivotal moment when Percy offers constructive criticism on one of Joe’s songs. The book’s summary suggests that this partnership will last for years, sparking new passions in both characters while also repeatedly damaging their self-esteem. The question remains: is their collaboration worth the price they pay, or is it hindering Percy from discovering her unique voice? Director Sean Durkin is rumored to be involved in adapting and directing this upcoming A24 production.

    ‘The Five-Star Weekend’

    Release date TBA.

    Jennifer Garner takes on both acting and executive producing roles for the drama series titled “The Five-Star Weekend“, which will be available on Peacock for streaming. This series is based on Elin Hilderbrand’s novel of the same name, with Bekah Brunstetter responsible for creating, writing, and also serving as an executive producer. In the story, Jennifer Garner plays Hollis Shaw, a prominent food influencer who experiences a tragic loss. To rediscover herself, she invites three friends from various stages of her life to spend a weekend at her Nantucket home. However, amidst the luxurious coastal setting, the friendships are tested as they confront pushed boundaries and uncovered secrets.

    ‘Little House on the Prairie’

    Release date TBA.

    A timeless favorite from our childhood is set to receive a modern update. It has been announced that Netflix will be releasing a reboot series based on “Little House on the Prairie”. This new interpretation, helmed by showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine, comes over 40 years after the original adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s cherished books concluded its run on NBC. As per Netflix, their fresh take on “Little House” will blend elements of a hopeful family drama, an epic survival story, and a glimpse into the origins of the American West, offering a vibrant perspective on the hardships and victories experienced by those who pioneered the frontier.

    ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’

    Release date TBA.

    In the world of gaming, I found myself immersed in an Apple TV+ series adaptation of Rufi Thorpe’s bestselling novel, “Margot’s Financial Fiasco.” Stepping into the shoes of Margot, a character whose mother was a Hooters waitress and former pro wrestler, I navigate life’s challenges.

    After a clandestine relationship with my junior college English professor results in pregnancy, I resort to OnlyFans to make ends meet. A surprising reunion with my estranged father, who shares wisdom gleaned from his wrestling days, propels me to unexpected fame on the platform.

    The masterful David E. Kelley helms this production as showrunner and executive producer, joined by the Fanning sisters, Elle and Dakota, and Brittany Kahan Ward of Lewellen Pictures; Nicole Kidman and Per Saari of Blossom Films; Matthew Tinker of David E. Kelley Productions; and Michelle Pfeiffer, Thorpe, and Eva Anderson. In this captivating journey, I embody Margot, a woman who learns to navigate the complexities of life while carving her own path in the digital age.

    ‘Lucky’

    Release date TBA.

    Anya Taylor-Joy is going to star and produce the lead role in Apple TV+’s series adaptation of Marissa Stapley’s top-selling novel ‘Lucky’. This limited series, featuring Taylor-Joy (known for roles in ‘Furiosa’ and ‘The Queen’s Gambit’), will be produced by Apple Studios and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine (the book was a 2021 pick for Reese’s Book Club). Jonathan Tropper is the series creator, and he will co-run the show with Cassie Pappas. Drew Starkey also appears in this series, which tells the story of a woman who, raised in a criminal lifestyle, must reconnect with her shady past to break free from it.

    ‘Verity’

    Release date TBA.

    Following their collaboration on the “Idea of You” adaptation, Anne Hathaway and Michael Showalter are now working together on a film based on Colleen Hoover’s novel, “Verity.” Nick Antosca has written the current script, building upon the work of previous writers Hillary Seitz, Angela LaManna, Will Honley, and April Maguire. Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett will join Anne Hathaway in the cast. The plot revolves around struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh, who is hired by Jeremy Crawford to finish a series of books written by his wife, Verity Crawford (played by Anne Hathaway), who has been involved in a mysterious accident. As Lowen delves deeper into the work, she discovers a hidden manuscript that may hold secrets about the family’s past. Meanwhile, another Colleen Hoover book, “Regretting You,” is also being adapted into an independent film, with Allison Williams, Mckenna Grace, Dave Franco, and Mason Thames in the roles.

    ‘Enigma Variations’

    Release date TBA.

    Jeremy Allen White, famously known as The Bear, is poised to spearhead the upcoming Netflix limited series titled Enigma Variations. This series is an adaptation of André Aciman’s novel, who also penned Call Me By Your Name, a film that garnered Oscar nominations. The 2017 book tells the tale of a man named Paul, whose loves continue to grip him intensely and covetously throughout his adult life, much like they did during his teenage years. Paul’s relationships are elusive, fleeting, and always marked by raw desire. Amanda Kate Shuman is said to be involved as the writer, executive producer, and showrunner, while Oliver Hermanus is slated to direct and produce as an executive. White and Aciman will serve as executive producers, with Media Res handling production.

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2025-03-04 18:26